Why I Quit LinkedIn: The Truth About Intimidation and How to Stay Sane on LinkedIn

I left LinkedIn because I felt pressured

I felt intimidated

I felt like I wasn’t doing enough with my life

These are consistent reasons I’ve heard from people who’ve left LinkedIn or are currently inactive on the platform.

For me, though, I wouldn’t say I felt intimidated by the achievements, profiles, or impressive career and academic successes I saw on this blue app.

Yes, there were days I felt like I wasn’t doing enough, and yes, imposter syndrome set in too.

But I chose to see things differently. Those profiles didn’t intimidate me, they inspired me.

I simply told myself: If they can do it, I can too.

They became my markers for what’s possible. They reminded me that success is achievable when you work hard, pursue your goals strategically, and position yourself for opportunities. They pushed me to stay prepared so that when opportunities came, I was ready to grab them.

And if you’ve ever felt this way, let me say this: It’s totally normal. You’re human, and humans feel things. So don’t beat yourself up over it. Instead, let’s shift the narrative and make LinkedIn work for you.

Here’s how:

Why You Need a LinkedIn Profile

Your LinkedIn profile is more than just a digital resume, it’s your professional portfolio.

• It’s where you showcase your skills, achievements, and career journey to the world.
• Everybody is a salesperson, you’re either selling yourself, your skills, or a product. LinkedIn helps you position yourself strategically so that opportunities can find you.

What You Should Be Doing with LinkedIn

When I discovered Creator Mode, I turned it on immediately, and it changed the game for me. It gave me access to tools like newsletters and analytics, which I use to express myself and share knowledge.

Here’s what I do:

• Post Content Consistently: I write about topics I’m passionate about, such as business development, science communication, and creative writing.
• Engage Actively: Posting regularly attracted an engaging audience, quality collaborations, and meaningful connections. These connections sometimes recommend me or mention me in conversations about opportunities.

What can you do with LinkedIn?

• Share content (audio, video, or written) on topics you’re passionate about or knowledgeable in.

Do it consistently. Opportunities come to those who stay visible and add value.

How to Get the Best Out of LinkedIn

To truly maximize LinkedIn:

• Engage with Others: Like, comment on, and share posts. Build relationships with others in your field.
• Be Strategic: Use LinkedIn to connect with people in roles or industries you’re interested in.
• Leverage Tools: LinkedIn Learning, job alerts, and analytics are tools to help you grow your skills and career.

How to Stay Sane on LinkedIn

I understand how easy it is to feel overwhelmed by other people’s success. But here’s how you can protect your mental health while staying active:

• Change the Narrative: See others’ success as proof of what’s possible, not as a measure of your shortcomings.
• Celebrate Your Wins: Big or small, every step forward matters. Celebrate them.
• Take Breaks: If it ever feels too much, log off, recharge, and come back when you’re ready.
• Focus on Growth: LinkedIn isn’t a competition—it’s a platform for learning, connecting, and growing.

Final Words

LinkedIn isn’t just a platform; it’s an opportunity. It’s where you can tell your story, share your value, and connect with people who can help you grow.

If you’ve left LinkedIn or feel like giving up, I hope this inspires you to return with a new mindset.

Take small, intentional steps, and don’t let the pressure of perfection hold you back.

You’ve got this. Your story matters. And so do you.

I started my journey the way many of us do, by simply sharing what I know. As I learned to structure my story and focus on authenticity, I found that my online presence started to resonate with people.

This experience showed me that the digital world is hungry for authenticity, and now, I’m here to help you do the same.

Here's the link to get a copy of my digital storytelling and branding guide - STAND OUT https://selar.co/f782re

Let’s make LinkedIn work for you!